SAN ANTONIO — Reasons to “book it” down to the River Walk on Friday for the 32nd annual Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony:

1. It's a San Antonio day-after-Thanksgiving tradition.

2. Nothing's much prettier than the River Walk basking in the glow of more than one million Christmas lights.

3. The parade theme, “Once Upon a Christmas,” is all about honoring books.

Leading the parade is grand marshal Sandra Cisneros, author of acclaimed works such as “The House on Mango Street” and “Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories.” Cisneros said she surprised her agent by agreeing to participate. But since the theme was in her wheelhouse, she was more than happy to say yes.

“Usually in San Antonio we celebrate sports,” she said. “I've worked for a long time, since getting to San Antonio in 1984, to try to bring books to the attention of young people. I'm really thrilled to see those seeds are finally sprouting.”

The other thing that sealed the deal is that a book drive is being held in conjunction with the event. Folks can donate new or gently used books at any San Antonio Ford dealership or at the Arneson River Theatre on parade day. The drive benefits children and families through the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.

“Everybody in San Antonio needs a book,” Cisneros said. “What a gift to give someone a book that they don't have to return. And books are a nice, healthy, fat-free gift.”

Another famous face will be there, too. Sebastien de la Cruz, the 11-year-old mariachi singer (“El Charro de Oro”) who sang the national anthem at the AT&T Center during the NBA Finals in June, will perform on the grand marshal's float.

“It's a great honor to be able to have this opportunity,” he said.

Book-themed floats such as “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “The Nutcracker” will feature entertainment and light displays.

Cisneros might be a light display herself. She plans to wear a vintage Tijuana dress and resplandor (headdress) that artist/designer Veronica Prida adapted to include flowers or lights. She plans to donate it to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.